Panaji, February 27 – Union Minister for Social Justice and Empowerment, Dr. Virendra Kumar, today highlighted the transformative impact of the ‘Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan’ (Drug-Free India Campaign) during a press interaction in Goa. Emphasizing its role in realizing Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s 2020 vision to make India completely drug-free, Kumar stated that no young person in the country should fall prey to substance abuse.
The campaign has garnered widespread participation from youth, prominent figures across sectors, and local leaders. Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant and the Social Welfare Minister have played pivotal roles in its execution, Kumar noted, crediting their support for enabling such initiatives. ‘This program welcomes contributions from all corners of society and promises a positive shift in community behavior,’ he added.
Initially planned for sensitive districts, the drive has now expanded statewide due to the pressing need for awareness. Kumar expressed confidence that these efforts will foster holistic development across Goa. The central government is collaborating closely with states to organize events in every district, drawing massive crowds from diverse backgrounds.
Remarkable statistics underscore the campaign’s reach: over 250 million people engaged, including more than 90 million youth and 50 million women. Activities have permeated over 1.6 million educational institutions through competitions like poster-making and essay writing. ‘These ground-level interventions are already yielding visible positive changes,’ Kumar affirmed, urging continued momentum for a healthier, drug-free future.